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Magnetic Clouds

"Clouds" of iron particles dart and dance in a magnetic field.

Where:   Gallery 2: Tinkering
Exhibit Developer:   Shawn Lani, 1995
Phenomena: Electromagnetic Forces, Fluid Mechanics, Turbulent Flow, Ferromagnetism
Keywords: magnet, magnetic field

More to explore

Field Trip Chaperone Guide: Exploring Magnets
Field Trip Chaperone Guide: Exploring Magnets

Based on third-grade NGSS standards; appropriate for grades 2–5

A science activity that makes the patterns of a magnetic field visible
Magnetic Lines of Force

Iron filings trace out magnetic field lines in three dimensions.

Iron Science Teacher: Oil
Fast forward to minute 22 for instructions for making a ferrofluid.

Related exhibits

Magnetic Fluid Patterns
Magnetic Fluid Patterns

A magnet's force gathers and disperses a magnetic fluid in dynamic patterns.

Black Sand
Black Sand

Get your hands into magnetic sand.

Circles of Magnetism
Circles of Magnetism

Electricity moving in a wire makes a circular magnetic field.

Strange Attractor
Strange Attractor

Magnets transfer energy back and forth, making the pendulum swing in unpredictable ways.